REVEREND EARL WILLIAMS, JR.

REVEREND EARL's Story

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Reverend Earl Williams, Jr. was born March 27, 1935 in Thomasville, GA to the parents of the late Billy and Flossie Adams Williams of Thomasville. Reverend Williams was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all that had the pleasure of meeting him. His achievements throughout his life and career gained local, state and national attention. He was a vital part in creating the essence of our community and served as a pastor, educator, elected official and community leader. Reverend Williams passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 1, 2018.
Rev. Williams graduated from Douglass High School in 1953 and furthered his education at Fort Valley State College(University) and Valdosta State College(University). He also served in the United States Marine Corps. He devoted 37 years as an educator in the Thomas County Schools and retired in 2000 as principal from Central Middle School.
He was married to the late Faye Frances Williams for 59 years. He was Pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Thomasville for 28 years. Rev. Williams is a true legacy in the City of Roses for his dedication, love and commitment for change and community service. Rev. Williams was the first black City Commissioner, the first black Mayor of Thomasville, the first black Chairman of the Salvation Army and the first black President of the Georgia Association of Educators(G.A.E.). These are just a few of his accomplishments in the Thomasville/Thomas County area.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Disciples of Jesus Ministries on 228 Augusta Ave at 11:00 am. with burial in the Peaceful Rest Cemetery on North Pinetree Blvd. The Eulogist is the Reverend Emory C. Virgil. Active pallbearers will be members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,Inc. and Honorary Pallbearers will be the brothers of S.P. Jones Lodge #118.
Rev. Williams will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. Cherishing his legacy is his son Earl(DeShay)Williams,III of Arlington, Virginia; daughters: Jennifer(Horace) Ivey of Tifton, Georgia; Angela Williams of Thomasville, Georgia; Sons: Thomas(Glenda) Williams of Marietta, Georgia; Jeffrey(Venetta) Williams of Anniston, Alabama ; nine grandchildren: Justin, Christopher, Hope, Sydney Faye, Trevian, Trenton, Joel, Summer and Kaziah; two great- grandchildren: Zackary & Jacob Earl; brother: Clarence Williams of Thomasville, Georgia; nieces: Pamela Cloud, Adreanna Hill and Amber Cloud of Thomasville, Georgia; nephew: Melvin Williams and family; Cousins: Joseph Adams, Monique Adams, Ethel Lee Parks, Herbert Harriott, Allison Jones, Dennie Adams, Deborah Adams O'Neal, Kim Adams Wyche and Barbara Jean Ford, other loving friends and his caregivers.
Public viewing will be held Wednesday from 1:00-4:30 pm and the family will receive friends from 6-8 pm at the Second Presbyterian Church, 1306 Fletcher St Thomasville, GA. The body will lie in state at Disciples of Jesus Ministries from 9:30 am until funeral hour with no viewing after the eulogy.